A sudden and powerful flood struck the Rasuwagadhi area of Rasuwa district on Monday, following heavy rainfall in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The floodwaters, carried by the Bhotekoshi River, swept through the Nepal–China border area, washing away the strategically important Friendship Bridge and leaving at least 15 people reportedly missing, according to preliminary reports. Final confirmation is still pending as actual data from the site continues to emerge.
The Friendship Bridge, a vital infrastructure link between Nepal’s Rasuwagadhi and China’s Kerung port, was completely destroyed in the flood. This bridge served as a major route for bilateral trade and transport. Its destruction has halted cross-border movement and disrupted both commercial activity and local travel in the region.
According to initial reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), among those missing are customs staff, transport workers, and local residents who were present in the customs yard at the time of the incident. Search and rescue operations are underway, with Nepal Army and Armed Police Force teams deployed on-site. Helicopters have also been mobilized to assist in aerial assessments and rescue.
The flood was triggered by intense and sustained rainfall on the Chinese side of the border, causing the Bhotekoshi River to swell rapidly. The sudden surge also increased the water level in the Trishuli River, raising concern downstream in central Nepal. Authorities have issued flood advisories along the Trishuli River corridor, with residents urged to stay alert and avoid riverbanks.
Eyewitnesses at the Rasuwagadhi customs point described the flood as sudden and overwhelming. Several goods vehicles, containers, and temporary customs infrastructure were swept away by the force of the water. Many of the missing were working or waiting for clearance at the time the flood struck.
While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, officials have confirmed that all customs and border operations through Rasuwagadhi have been suspended. Discussions are underway with Chinese authorities regarding damage assessments, disaster coordination, and future trade access.
This incident once again highlights the vulnerability of transboundary river regions, especially during the monsoon season. With limited real-time data sharing on rainfall and river flow from upstream in China, Nepalese authorities face challenges in preparing for and responding to such disasters.
As rescue efforts continue, the government has pledged all necessary support for affected families and is calling for greater bilateral cooperation to improve flood early warning systems.
